Scientific Name
Asclepias fascicularis Decne.
Family
Apocynaceae (ex-Asclepiadaceae)
General
A narrow-leafed perennial herb, with toxic, milky sap. The flowers attract a diversity of insects. The flowers and foliage are food for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). This plant is easily grown from seeds (but grows fairly slowly), and is an excellent choice for a butterfly garden.
CI
Observed commonly in disturbed areas, for example, along paths or at the edge of landscaped zones. Not extremely common. On campus, the flowers have been observed to attract tarantula hawk wasps (probably genus Pepsis, family Pompilidae). These impressive (and large) insects prey on tarantulas as a food source for their growing larvae. Observed blooming in June through September.
References
See this species on CalFlora.
The Jepson Manual (2012:204, Asclepias, by Thomas J. Rossatti and Carold A. Hoffman).
Dale (2000: 49).
McAuley (1996: 183).
Asclepias fascicularis flower heads, along path just to the west of University Glen, near where water collected forming a temporary pond (26 February 2003).
Asclepias fascicularis flower heads, along path just to the west of University Glen, near where water collected forming a temporary pond (29 June 2003).
Asclepias fascicularis, along path just to the west of University Glen, near where water collected forming a temporary pond (29 June 2003).
Asclepias fascicularis along pathway on crest of hill to south of Camarillo Park entrance area (22 July 2015).
Asclepias fascicularis with monarch butterfly caterpillar, to side of gravel path along northern margin of large park north of University Glen, CI campus (11 March 2015).
Asclepias fascicularis along crest line of hill that separates University Glen from University Park, CI campus. Note maturing seed pods and abundant Deinandra fasciculata (yellow flowers) (12 June 2016).
Asclepias fascicularis along crest line of hill that separates University Glen from University Park, CI campus (12 June 2016).
Asclepias fascicularis along crest line of hill that separates University Glen from University Park, CI campus. Note maturing seed pods (12 June 2016).
Asclepias fascicularis along crest line of hill that separates University Glen from University Park, CI campus (12 June 2016).
Asclepias fascicularis along crest line of hill that separates University Glen from University Park, CI campus (20 May 2014).